Media Kit

Purpose of This Content

The following is for the use of media outlets, allies and institutions for press releases, presentations and link sharing for the benefit of A Life Worth Living. The following are the official statements on goal, vision and media friendly content for distribution. The content on this page is available in pdf form by using the links provided.

About A Life Worth Living

Our Mission

A Life Worth Living exists for the purpose of educating and sensitizing people throughout North America about living with disabilities by developing and disseminating communication resources.

Values

• Inclusion: Promoting active participation of individuals with disabilities in all aspects of society.
• Support: Offering comprehensive resources and guidance to individuals with disabilities and their support networks.
• Inspiration: Sharing real-life stories to inspire hope and resilience.
• Practical Guidance: Providing actionable advice and solutions for everyday challenges faced by individuals with disabilities.

The Need

The need for A Life Worth Living arose from the realization that individuals with disabilities and their families often lack accessible and comprehensive resources. This need extends to:

• Understanding how to adapt to new disabilities.
• Finding practical solutions for daily challenges.
• Accessing inspirational stories and experiences of others who have navigated similar paths.
• Providing support networks with the information they need to offer effective help.

Meeting That Need

Since its founding in 1994, A Life Worth Living has focused on sharing the life stories of people with disabilities and their families and employers through various media channels. These personal narratives offer:

• Life-changing answers to pressing questions.
• Practical guidance for overcoming obstacles.
• Hope and inspiration for those facing similar challenges.

Judy M. Robinet

Founding Executive Director

Judy M. Robinet, MSpEd, O&M, ECE, an Early Childhood Educator, Parent Effectiveness Instructor, Child and Family Counsellor, and Orientation and Mobility Specialist,   is the driving force behind ALWL. She promotes the ALWL vision and directs the strategic planning for A Life Worth Living and the Online Resource Centre. In addition to managing the day-to-day operations, she builds awareness of A Life Worth Living’s vision, serves as Bingo Co-Chair and sits on the Friends of A Life Worth Living Committee.

She was a Child and Family Counselor for CNIB (formerly known as the Canadian National Institute for the Blind) from 1989-1994, a board member for a provincial parent organization, VIEWS—For the Visually Impaired (serving a maximum term of seven years), and a member of the Association for Education and Rehabilitation.

Her achievements include authorship of the book A Life Worth Living, contributor to the Parent Information Kit, guest lecturer at post-secondary institutions, and presenter at national and international conferences. Along with Jeff Beach, an Honours Psychology graduate, and Dr. Julie Hakim-Larson, Assistant Professor of Psychology at the University of Windsor, Judy co-authored research on self-esteem and independent living which was published in the Journal of Visual Impairment and Blindness, Nov-Dec. 1995.

Recognized for her contributions, Judy has received the Lions International President’s Certificate (1998), the Ontario Community Action Award (2000), the Helen Keller Award (2001), the 2017 St. Clair College Alumni of Distinction Award and a Melvin Jones Fellowship (2019).

Courses Through A Life Worth Living

A Life Worth Living (ALWL) offers courses designed to help individuals and businesses enhance their accessibility and inclusivity. Our comprehensive training programs cover critical areas such as digital accessibility, inclusive design, assistive technology, and compliance with accessibility standards. Each course is tailored to equip businesses with the knowledge and tools to create accessible digital experiences and inclusive environments. By partnering with ALWL, organizations can ensure they meet legal requirements and embrace a culture of accessibility, fostering a more inclusive community.

Business Accessibility Toolkit (BAT)

The Business Accessibility Toolkit (BAT) program is broken into four distinct courses, each focused on a specific standard of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). They are:

• BAT – General requirements
• BAT – Customer Services
• BAT – Information and Communications
• BAT – Employment

Accessible Digital Communication (ADC)

The Accessible Digital Communication Course is an essential starting point for mastering the information and communication standard. This series introduces a new programming paradigm and design principles to enhance accessibility and user experience, opening new doors for your business.

• Part 1: Teaches best practices to create digitally accessible workplaces for employees and customers.
• Part 2: Learn a new programming paradigm featuring design principles to expand marketing doors.
• Part 3: Project leaders must understand how to integrate accessibility into the project life cycle and ensure quality control.

Practical Digital Accessibility for Technical Teams

The Practical Digital Accessibility for Technical Teams course discusses making digital products accessible to everyone, regardless of ability. Creating an inclusive experience for all users is essential. This course covers the basics of web accessibility for technical teams and addresses key business decisions at the organizational level.

Audio Description – The Visual Made Verbal

The Audio Description – The Visual Made Verbal course aims to train students as audio describers with potential for the development and delivery of description scripts for professional, student, or community arts presentations.

Consultancy at A Life Worth Living

Inclusivity and accessibility are essential for a successful and ethical business strategy. As technology advances, making sure your digital presence and services are accessible to everyone is not only a legal obligation but also a moral responsibility. That’s where ALWL Accessibility Consultancy comes in. Our IT consulting firm is dedicated to equipping your business with state-of-the-art accessibility solutions.

Our services

Website and Application Audits

• Comprehensive assessments to identify accessibility barriers.
• Detailed reports with prioritized recommendations.
• Implementation support for swift improvements.

Accessibility Compliance

• Ensuring your digital assets comply with global accessibility standards (WCAG, AODA, ADA).
• Regular audits to maintain compliance as technology evolves.

User Experience (UX) Enhancement

• Creating a seamless and intuitive experience for all users.
• User testing and feedback integration to refine accessibility features.

Policy Remediation

• We help update your policy regarding accessibility based on your jurisdiction.

Training and Workshops

• Equipping your team with the knowledge and skills to prioritize accessibility.
• Raising awareness of the benefits of an inclusive digital strategy.

Customized Accessibility Solutions

• Tailored solutions to address unique accessibility challenges in your industry.
• Ongoing support and guidance to keep your digital assets inclusive.